Comfortable Fashion

Happy Tuesday, Y’all. So I’ve been thinking. We always hear so much about fashion “don’ts,” but never enough about what we should be doing. That’s not fair, so I thought it would be fun to put together a short list of some of the top unisex guidelines that can take our personal style from drab to fab!

1. It’s All About The Fit

In other words, you wear the clothes, they don’t wear you. A tailored fit can mean all the difference between looking put-together and looking like you literally just got dressed in the dark…in someone else’s closet…who is 3 sizes bigger (or smaller) than you. Guys and girls alike struggle with this style staple for a variety of reasons – weight loss or gain, money restraints, the ‘comfort’ factor, or they simply fail to make a fashionable appearance a priority. Interestingly enough, many of those issues are remedied by wearing the correct size clothes. Most often people who feel like they have gained a few pounds here or there (who hasn’t!) can frequently make themselves appear larger with ill-fitting garments. If money your hangup, don’t let it be! Whether it’s a $100 dollar Rag & Bone T-shirt or a $10 one from Walmart, as long as it fits, it can look great and be an asset to your wardrobe.

And even if keeping up with the latest trends isn’t your cup of tea, keeping an eye on the size should be – it can payoff in more ways than one. Remember that looking presentable can not only make you feel empowered and confident, but both CNN and Forbes have confirmed a direct correlation between dressing well and job opportunity and promotion. Clothing companies have capitalized on this notion and have expanded their collections to include a variety of fits such as “skinny,” “modern,” or “tailored.” Having these options make it easier than ever before to achieve the perfect look that accentuates everyone’s unique shape! Looks like size does matter.

2. Be Polished – Even If You’re Scruffy

Let’s face it, us humans are generally one hairy population. Some of us have long hair, some with short, men have facial hair, women hopefully don’t, it can be curly, straight, wavy, course, silky, fine, thick, thin…the list can go on forever. Whether you’re prim and proper or rockin’ an edgy vibe, it’s important to tame those tresses so you look hott and not like a hott mess. Don’t get me wrong, I get the “I-just-rolled-out-of-bed-and-I’m-naturally-this-fantastic” look, but even people who claim that that really happened, put at least some effort into their appearance. It’s not being ‘vain,” it’s being the best you, you can be.

3. Good Hygiene Can Go A Long Way

Just be clean, you guys. Nobody likes a smelly person. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve been in a confined space (think elevator, train, office…) with someone who could use a shower or at the very least, body spray, a mint, and some deodorant. For anyone who lives in or around a big city, go on Facebook on like a Thursday (the faux Friday when everyone is irritated) and check out all the statuses about their public transit experiences. You’ll laugh (because you know their sentiments are true) and simultaneously feel really bad for them. You could be wearing a Tom Ford tux that fits you to a T, but if you’re emitting some foul odor, it doesn’t even matter – “it’s what’s under the clothes that counts” couldn’t ring more true (a clean body, people…this is a G-rated blog). Don’t be the target of a “stinky person” status. Shower, it’s that simple. Also, brush your teeth.

4. Accessories Are Fun

Whether you’re a man or woman, you can accessorize. I think us girls are really comfortable with this one, especially now where you almost feel naked without a scarf, sunglasses, necklace, at least 2 bracelets, or any combination of the above. So often, though, guys shy away from this word for fear of appearing too feminine. I’m obviously not saying to go paint your nails and throw on some bangles, but, wearing a nice watch, sturdy belt, and some fashionable and functional (guys, get excited about items serving a purpose) eyewear can really pull an outfit together. Throw on an accessory or two and go be all sexy and whatnot.

5. Invest In A Good Pair of Shoes

The best type of shoe for any gender is one that is the perfect balance of style and comfort, and one that can be worn to a variety of events. When purchasing footwear, I always try to envision the places I’d wear them to. So those $300 fuchsia stilettos are cute, but how practical will they be when you have an interview to go on or a family event to attend. Unless either of those are taking place in a club, you’re probably going to have to shell out more money on some new shoes. Same goes for men. That’s great that you have 8 pairs of sneakers, but, unless you are a professional runner, you should probably get yourself a pair of dress shoes that can be worn casually and to work. While we’re on this topic, everyone please stop wearing sneakers with jeans. I know we’ve all done it, and I know sometimes its “easy,” and know that I love you, but, just…stop.

How many times have you said “I wish I could wear sweats all day every day”? I can tell you that I’ve muttered that sentence more times than I care to even say. With the cooler weather upon us, following through on that sentiment seems more plausible than ever on my end. There’s something about wearing loungewear on days that aren’t Sunday (or Saturday mornings) that can literally make me paralyzed by comfort and render this gal completely unproductive. BUT WAIT (in the most infomercial-esque voice possible) there is hope, hoodie lovers – sweatshirts that are fun and functional are here to rescue you from your daily dressing dilemma of style vs. comfort. You can now have both. Let us rejoice.

Pair a polished sweatshirt with some fitted jeans, classic makeup, and, dare I even say, heels (gasp!) and you’ve got yourself one enviable outfit that you may just want to sleep in. (But, don’t…you look too nice!)